"Ambitious" is a word that's inevitably used by music critics to describe Ottmar Liebert's Opium. Spread over two CDs, which also feature text and a variety of photographs, Opium clocks in at more than 125 minutes and affo... more &raquords the German-born guitarist (today a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico) the broadest possible canvas to express his fascinating artistic vision, one that eludes a concise or simple explanation. Nominated for a Grammy (Best New Age Recording) in 1997, Opium comprises one CD subtitled "Wide-Eyed," which features a fairly straightforward presentation of Liebert's elegantly vibrant approach to flamenco-influenced acoustic guitar, and an even more intriguing second CD, "Dreaming." On this disc, Liebert and members of his Luna Negra band have room to indulge in various sonic explorations, probing unfamiliar atmospheric terrain that only a few other globally minded guitar adventurers, such as Steve Tibbetts, have previously charted--only without the feedback Tibbetts often favors. The results are almost always mind-expanding and often quite lovely. The moments when he intertwines electric guitar into his work, such as "Butterfly and Juniper" from disc 1 and "Chi-Wahwah Beauty" on disc 2, are especially satisfying. Other flamenco albums will strike brighter sparks than Opium, but few will equal its sustained, magical glow. --Terry Wood&laquo less

Synopsis

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"Ambitious" is a word that's inevitably used by music critics to describe Ottmar Liebert's Opium. Spread over two CDs, which also feature text and a variety of photographs, Opium clocks in at more than 125 minutes and affords the German-born guitarist (today a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico) the broadest possible canvas to express his fascinating artistic vision, one that eludes a concise or simple explanation. Nominated for a Grammy (Best New Age Recording) in 1997, Opium comprises one CD subtitled "Wide-Eyed," which features a fairly straightforward presentation of Liebert's elegantly vibrant approach to flamenco-influenced acoustic guitar, and an even more intriguing second CD, "Dreaming." On this disc, Liebert and members of his Luna Negra band have room to indulge in various sonic explorations, probing unfamiliar atmospheric terrain that only a few other globally minded guitar adventurers, such as Steve Tibbetts, have previously charted--only without the feedback Tibbetts often favors. The results are almost always mind-expanding and often quite lovely. The moments when he intertwines electric guitar into his work, such as "Butterfly and Juniper" from disc 1 and "Chi-Wahwah Beauty" on disc 2, are especially satisfying. Other flamenco albums will strike brighter sparks than Opium, but few will equal its sustained, magical glow. --Terry Wood

CD Reviews

Viejo Novu Flamenco

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 11/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a classic CD that is made up of two discs. The music on this CD is mezmerizing, hypnotic, exhillirating and euphoric. The first CD is entitled "Wide Eyed " and is the spacier of the two. Liebert creates images that are beautiful and at times perplexing. The exploratory nature of this CD is under his complete control. The uncharted areas Liebert takes the listener on are painted with a broad palette that creates landscapes that are surreal. Intoxicating to listen to, the listening experience makes one feel as though he has taken some type of sensory opiate. This is a hallucinatory auditory experience that would make Timothy Leary jealous. The fact that the German born musician has relocated to New Mexico is evident throughout as the CD has a southwestern feel to it. Disc two is more accesible and quite lovely. The guitar work is exquisite and masterful. The arraignments are textured and layered to create a perfect blend of sound. He manages to incorporate elements of Arabesque, Tangoesque and Turkish sounds that never distract but add to the global vision o the artist. Like a scientist in a lab, Liebert manages to create a magical synthesis of music that would be hard to copy. The instruments used, although never mentioned, are a popouri of world music instruments including tablas and a sitar. The use of percussion is innovative and exciting. This CD is Ottmar Liebert at his finest. A labor of love no doubt, this CD was six years in the making and is reflective of the effort and time put into this project. An added bonus is the fact that it is enhanced and you can play around with it on your computer. The visual images he chose are superb and add to the experience. An excellent choice for those interested in nuevo flamenco conceived and performed under optimum conditions for near perfect results."

Ambitious and evocative

a writer | USA | 04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to Liebert's music since the early, bright melodies of "Nouveau Flamenco," I have always anticipated his next exploration into flamenco. "Opium" plays like a sonic trajectory through the senses and places Liebert has been. It's all been packed into a double CD that unfurls like an exotic Persian carpet.

Clearly, as a musician, Liebert has picked up influences from the Far East and North Africa, to name but two. Yet the guitar is still at the forefront of most of songs. In contrast to his other work, "Opium" ranges far and wide and feels like a long journey to someplace strange and intoxicating. There's so much to appreciate, both as a whole and as individual pieces. There's a fair deal of electric Santana-style guitar alongside the acoustic, mixed in with synthesizer, bells, percussion and other effects, and the music falls into two aural categories: insistent and languid. Both styles are mesmerizing.

Curiously, the initial CD release included a visual format for 1995-era Macs and PCs: pop in either of the discs, and you'd get to see (and manipulate) some suitably New-Age video effects to each track. Since I dumped my Mac 9500 clone, I can't seem to make it work on the all-powerful G-5. What gives?"

The Ultimate Soother

Greg Fasolino | Huntington, NY USA | 02/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How's this for a recommendation? This was the one CD my wife and I chose to listen to when she gave birth last year. It is as relaxing and contemplative as you could wish for...Ottmar's finest hour (and some)."

This CD is more Eastern (Asia, India, Himalayas, etc.) than Southwestern, but don't let that stop you. Buy it, love it, enjoy it, it's one of a literal handful of CDs that I would NOT be without, in my life."

A Magificent Piece of Art

Beauty_Savvy | Toronto, ON Canada | 04/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having Been a fan for flamenco and spanish guitar music and having listened to various top notch artists, I had always ranked Ottmar Liebert as an inspiring soul. His music has its own distinct flavor. 'Ambitious' is what I would use to describe Libert's music in general. This album ,however, is different. It's the piece of work that defines Ottmar Liebert. Listening to this album transforms you to a different level of alertness. A level at which you're a step closer to being in a peaceful dream yet can still reflect on reality. It has a sedating, soothing edge to it. A rather "narcotizing" effect .. such is the magic of "OPIUM" !"